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A monthly newsletter to keep you informed about ABCUSA
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Matthew 25 Grant Produces 'Loaves and Fishes' Outcome
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 In our latest Matthew 25 Grant story, learn how a $5,000 Matthew 25 Grant produces a 'Loaves and Fishes' outcome with a 'Coats for Kids' project. In Madison, W.Va., Theresa A. Cocheran compares the impact of receiving a $5,000 Matthew 25 Grant to the story of how Jesus multiplied loaves and fishes to feed more than 5,000 men, women and children with 12 basketfuls remaining. (Matthew 14: 13-21). "God multiplied the purchasing power of the $5,000 for our 'Coats for Kids' project," Cocheran explains of a project initiated by the Mission Board of Madison Baptist Church, a member of the West Virginia Baptist Convention.
Read the full story.
And, in a recent announcement, awards totaling $100,300 were highlighted, along with an upcoming change to the Matthew 25 Grant application process. Applications will now be accepted once yearly, by September 1, with disbursement on October 15 of each year.
Read more.
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United Mission is the Vehicle!
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As American Baptists, we know that God's family extends beyond our local churches. United Mission gives us the opportunity to demonstrate our caring and commitment to congregations on the regional, national and global level. As we give, we also receive: 2/3 of all United Mission dollars are dedicated to regional initiatives, including leadership training, church planting, pastoral development, youth ministries, local church support and disaster response.
United Mission is the vehicle that makes this regional support happen. This spring,
United Mission is the Vehicle materials were sent to American Baptist churches across the United States and Puerto Rico. Please visit the website,
UMIsTheVehicle.org, to learn more and to access downloadable resources for use in YOUR church!
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Gillies Awarded Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree
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Photo provided by Central Baptist Theological Seminary
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Susan Gillies, the Interim General Secretary for American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) and a resident of Omaha, Neb., was awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree, honoris causa, during May 14 commencement exercises on the main campus of Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Shawnee, Kan. The seminary recognized her for her significant contribution during her years of Board service to the school, as well as her decades of "creative and excellent ministry."
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Hampton Ministers Conference - June 8, 2016
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 You're invited...to the
8th Annual Reception for American Baptist Attendees at Hampton University's 102nd Annual Ministers Conference. The reception will be on Wednesday, June 8, from 9:30pm -10:30pm.
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| Upcoming Webinar: Understanding Church Mission Support |
Join us for a free one hour webinar to learn how to complete the basic Church Mission Support Form to ensure that your church's mission dollars go to the right giving category. The session will be filled with examples that illustrate a variety of giving scenarios. Following the informational session there will be time for questions. A recording of the webinar will also be available following the scheduled date.
Tue, May 24, 2016 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
Please click on this link to register for the webinar:
This learning opportunity is sponsored by United Mission.
United Mission is the Vehicle!
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Prayer Highlight - ABC Emergency Services Center in Sturgis, South Dakota
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Since 2001 two ABC regions, the American Baptist Churches of Nebraska and the American Baptist Churches of the Dakotas, have jointly sponsored the ABC Emergency Services Center (ABCESC), a short-term mission project during the annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. Each year in August hundreds of thousands of bikers descend on the Black Hills to enjoy the scenic roads and the camaraderie at races, concerts, and parties.
Unfortunately, the combination of long days, late nights, overindulgence, and overcrowded campgrounds often lead to exhaustion and impaired judgment. Volunteers at the ABCESC respond 24 hours a day to requests for assistance with everything from aiding abandoned women and children to transporting accident victims and their families to providing spiritual care to rally participants and first responders.
The ABCESC project has been designed to provide a short-term cross-cultural mission experience to American Baptists. Many of the volunteer staff do not ride motorcycles. Through the hospitality of Pastor Gregg Hemmen and the congregation at FBC Rapid City, costs for volunteers are kept to a minimum. Please keep volunteers, as well as attendees of the rally, in your prayers. Learn more at:
www.SturgisAid.com.
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World Mission Conference: Register Online by June 10
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Three Great Opportunities!
Hear the Call Retreat July 1 - 4
Hear the Call is a
 high-intensity weekend retreat for adults who are exploring a call to become global missionaries. Starting Friday evening, July 1st, at the Green Lake Conference Center in Wisconsin, you will interact with missionaries and staff who will help you evaluate if God is calling you into cross-cultural global mission service.
Learn More.
World Mission Conference July 4 - 9
Celebrate the 4th of July with hundreds of friends with a picnic, mission program and fireworks at the Green Lake Conference Center in Wisconsin!
Learn More.
Rhythms of the Spirit July 9 - 13
Stay on after the World Mission Conference and deepen your spiritual walk as you encounter God through singing, prayer, silence and fellowship with others. This conference, offered in a retreat style, is a unique opportunity to explore and practice the contemplative life together. For more information on leaders, schedule, and registration, visit:
www.rhythmsofthespirit.com.
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